Canvas-stretcher frame



UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES FAY, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

CANVAS-STRETQHER FRAM E.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 449,875, datedApril 7,1891.

Applicationiled May 9, 1889. Serial No. 310,124. (No model.)

To all whom t may concern,.-

Be it known that I, CHARLES FAY, a citizen of the United States,residing in the city and county of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania,have invented a new and useful Improvement in Stretcher-Frames, whichimprovement is fully set forth in the following specification andaccompanying drawings.

My invention consists of a device for expanding a stretcher-frame, andconsequently tightening the canvas thereon, the same being formed of aplate which is adapted to be rig idly secured to one side of the frameand adj ustably connected with the adjacent side.

Figure 1 represents a perspective view of a stretcher-frame embodying myinvention. Fig. 2 represents a longitudinal section thereof on line Fig.l.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the twofigures.

Referring to the drawings, A designates a stretcher-frame formed ofseparated sides which are connected or coupled by plates B, the latterbeing preferably formed of metal, and each having an opening C at oneend and a slot D at the other end. Through the opening C is passed thetack or short nail E, which is driven into the contiguous side of theframe, thus rigidly connecting the plate with said side. Through theslotD is passed a tack or short nail F, which is driveninto thecontiguous side of the frame, thus adj ustably connecting the plate withsaid side, it being seen that the four corners of the frame areprovided.with plates B, each of which is attached as above stated. Itwill be seen that when the canvas or material employed is loose the keysG, which have one of their sides at right angles with theirheads, theother side being inclined,

are introduced into the joints between adjacent sides of the frame, anddriven thereinto until the canvas becomes taut, it being noticed thatthe plates retain their position; but the tacks E move laterally withthe sides to which they are attached and slide in the slots D, wherebythe frameremains true in its angularity. Each plate B has a lateralextension or limb B', in which is an opening E to receive a tack or nailC', the plate thus being of angular form, whereby it is of increased'length, and provided with additional means of fastening, owing to thetack or nail C', it being evident that the plates are prevented fromturning on the tacks or nails E and F, and distortion of the frame isaccordingly obviated. Each of the side pieces has one of its ends, whichis squared, abutting against the side of another one of the pieces.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a canvas-stretcher frame, the side and end bars, in combinationwith plates having parts thereof Xedly attached to one bar and the otherparts thereof adj ustably connected to the adjacent bar, substantiallyas described. 2. A corner-connecting plate for a canvasstretcher, havingholes or apertures in one end thereof for immovable attachment to aportion of said stretcher, and a slot in the opposite end for adjustableconnection to another portion ot' said stretcher, substantially asdescribed.

cHAs. EAY.

Witnesses:

JOHN A. WIEDEESHEIM, A. P. JENNINGs.

